Meet Our Team of Veterinarians

Dr. Jared Settle grew up in Mount Vernon, IL. He graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007. His special interests include surgery and orthopedics. Dr. Settle enjoys watching the St. Louis Cardinals, hunting, fishing and spending time with his pet turtle, Moldy.

Dr. Brooks graduated from University of Illinois in 2014, and joined our team in September 2016.

What made you decide to become a veterinarian?
Dr. Brooks grew up in a house full of animals, and her parents owned a grooming, boarding, and obedience training facility. She worked at a small animal clinic while in high school with compassionate vets who solidified her passion for the profession.

What is the most important advice you can give your clients?
Prevention, prevention, prevention!

What is something all pet owners should know?
The yearly exam is so vital for the health of your pet.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?
Developing long-term client/patient relationships and working with them as a team over the years!

Do you have any pets?
Chloe, a Rat Terrier, and Ellie, a Border Collie mix.

What are some of your hobbies?
Reading, hiking, and spending time with my family.

Dr. Lukas has been with Midwest Animal Hospital since June 2009, the same year she graduated from the University of Illinois.

What awards or certifications have you earned in your field?
Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist

Why did you choose to become a veterinarian?
I worked for a vet in high school. I thought I wanted to become a physician, so I was premed in college. However, I found myself volunteering for all animal-related duties at the humane society, and realized veterinary medicine was my passion.

What is the most important advice you can give to your clients?
Preventative care is the most important thing you can do for your pet.

What is one thing all pet owners should know?
Exercise your pets regularly!

What has been the most rewarding part of your career?
Getting certified in canine rehab and helping dogs walk again.

Do you have any pets?
I have a Flat Coat Retriever named Jack, he loves going to daycare and swimming in the pool. He will try to sneak into the pool room if he gets the chance.

What are some things you enjoy doing in your free time?
Spending time with my family, cooking, gardening, being outdoors, and hiking.

Dr. Ashley Sawa grew up in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. She received her degree in biology from Illinois State University, and received her DVM from University of Illinois in 2016. Her interests include internal medicine and oncology. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family, friends, and Golden Retriever, Delilah.

Dr. Melissa Newberg grew up on a farm in Northwestern Iowa. She attended Briar Cliff University where she majored in biology and then later received her DVM from Iowa State University in 1997. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, biking and spending time with her family and pets.

Dr. Gwen Pawlowski is originally from Michigan. She received a degree in zoology from Michigan State University and later returned to MSU to complete her DVM in 2007. Dr. Pawlowski then finished a small animal internship in the Chicago area. She enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with her family, friends and pets.

Dr. Schultz earned her DVM from the University of Illinois in 2007, and joined Midwest Animal Hospital in March 2016.

What made you decide to become a veterinarian?

I wanted to be a veterinarian when I was 5 years old. My great-grandparents had a dog named Toby, who was my best friend growing up. Thanks to him, I knew I always wanted to work with animals.

What is something all pet owners should know?

We, as veterinarians, are here to help. Everything we tell you comes from years of experience and education. We always have your pet’s best interests in mind.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?

Teaching and mentoring students who want to become veterinarians! I have thoroughly enjoyed answering their questions, helping them through surgery, and watching them grow and learn.

Is there anything about your family you’d like to share?

My husband Dan and I have been married since 2000. We have 2 children, Connor and Callista.

Do you have any pets?

We have a cat named Doug, and 2 freshwater fish tanks.

What are your favorite hobbies?

I love taking walks with my family, reading, playing video games, painting, swimming, and baking.

Dr. Banasure (Dr. Bana) grew up in India. He graduated from Nagpur Veterinary College, Nagpur, India in 1997. He also has a Master’s degree in Animal Biotechnology from India, and a second Master’s degree in Microbiology from University of Guelph in Canada. After pursuing a career in research for some time, he decided to return to clinical medicine, and has been practicing small animal medicine since 2010 in both Canada and the US. His special interests include soft tissue surgery, orthopedics, and dentistry. Dr. Bana has three feline pets at home—Kitkur, Timbit and Orca. In his free time, Dr. Bana enjoys swimming, watching movies and exploring new places.

Bio coming soon.

Dr. Davis is a graduate of Tuskegee University, and she joined Midwest Animal Hospital in June 2022!

What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?

The most rewarding part is not only being able to help maintain the health of our patients, but also to help foster the relationship our clients have with their pets! I love being able to communicate and educate owners about their pets’ health.

Do you have any pets of your own?

No personal pets at the moment, but I’m opening to adopting if or when I meet the right pup!

Is there any accomplishment you’d like to share?

I was Class President in veterinary school all 4 years.

Do you have a favorite book, movie, song, etc.?

My favorite book of all time is “The Art of Racing in the Rain.” I have several favorite movies, including Jurassic Park, When Harry Met Sally, Mystic River, and Halloween!

My favorite song currently is W.A.Y.S. by Jhene Aiko.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I’m excited to learn and grow as a vet here at Midwest Animal Hospital!